Promoting-equitable health services for women and marginalised populations in Nepal

Context

The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) has supported Nepal’s health and social protection development since 1994. Despite progress in reducing maternal and infant mortality, regional disparities in healthcare persist. Women and marginalised groups face barriers to equitable access, including low registration rates under health insurance schemes, inadequate digital infrastructure, and limited gender-responsive services. Local authorities struggle to integrate Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) into health planning, with insufficient participation of women and marginalised groups in decision-making. These challenges deepen inequalities and require tailored health services, improved governance, and inclusive strategies to ensure equitable outcomes.

Objective

Gender responsive health services and social protection for women and marginalised groups have become more available and accessible nationally and locally.

Approach

The project supports the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) and selected municipalities in two Nepalese provinces to implement the National Strategy on GESI. It focuses on three main areas:

• Integrating the GESI strategy into municipal health management by supporting demand-driven planning for gender-responsive health services;
• Increasing health insurance coverage and access to quality healthcare for women and marginalised groups through improved enrolment strategies and electronic birth registration to address gender gaps;
• Reducing supply-side barriers by implementing gender-responsive action plans.

Last update: February 2025